When we got back within manacomm range of home, I reported what had happened to Ratern Air Base. They apparently immediately sent the report up the chain of command, because 5 minutes later I gave the same report directly to a representative of the King. After confirming my story with that of Bej and Commander Lewis, the representative then said that they would “be in touch” and terminated the connection.

We landed without issue, but when I exited my plane, I was immediately whisked away by General Reach's assistants. I was escorted to a familiar building, where I was placed in front of the General.

"Captain Hrett," the General looked at me closely.

"Sir," I stood exactly still in a salute.

"I would not have pegged you for a liar. However, with your frankly completely unbelievable report, it seems that you have chosen to adjust or replace the real truth."

I was confused, "sir. I did not lie. I told the truth exactly as I saw it."

He sighed, and looked at a piece of paper, "so you are saying that you, Sergeant Bej Adlend and 4 Americans took out a dragon carrier and all 9 escorts without taking any damage whatsoever?"

"Yes sir." The end of my tail flicked nervously in spite of my attempts to remain composed.

"Well then," the General sighed, and started reading from a page, "Prince Torren has ordered that all parties complicit in your apparent lies be grounded until word arrives from the ships sent to check where you said the wreckage was. As such, you, Sergeant Adlend, and the entire American delegation are not permitted to take off in any aircraft, or perform any actions on any aircraft unless necessary for maintenance. This may be temporarily revoked if you are specifically called upon during an emergency situation. Additionally, your pay will be withheld until this order is rescinded. If evidence arises that you have lied, you will face further punishment. Is this clear."

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"Yes, General." I inwardly sighed.

"The others have also been informed of this, however I personally told you as it is your report which started this. Dismissed."

I turned and left, waiting until I left the building to let my tail tuck down and my ears fall. I had no doubts that we would be eventually cleared if the wreckage was properly examined, but the expedition might not find the wreckage, or might only find part of it. But either way, the Americans would likely blame me for being grounded, as it was my report which initiated this. Bej would understand, I hoped, but I had no idea how the Americans would react.

I stopped in front of the designated US housing, and took a deep breath. I then knocked on the door. It opened a moment later, and I saw Matt in the doorway, with all the Americans sitting or standing around in the entrance room, plus Bej sitting entirely too close to who I assumed was Taylor.

"Come in," Matt said, "we've already heard about the grounding."

I cocked my head, "you don't seem angry?"

"Oh no. It seems reasonable from their point of view. All they know is that a group of foreigners and 2 of their pilots leave, then come back telling a story of defeating a fleet that could wipe out most of the army. It seems reasonable to put them off duty before the report is confirmed, as it is fairly unbelievable and could be a symptom of something more sinister."

"Oh," I hadn't really considered that angle. I had only considered the fact that I was kinda important, and that was it. It kinda served me right for being self-obsessed.

"Anyways," Matt said, pulling me out of my thoughts, "please come in. We were just talking about what we were going to do over the next few days. Bej was most unhelpful, as he was embarrassingly clear as to what he would be doing." Taylor pointedly looked away from the rest of us.

"I can imagine." I ignored Bej's smile and entered the building, standing against a wall where I could see everyone clearly.

Matt closed the door and clapped his hands, "well, what is there to do around here?"

"I don't really know," I answered honestly, "I haven't had much free time. Everything here is missions, recuperating from missions, preparing for missions, or practicing for missions."

"Well, there's Ratern City right there. We were never told that we were being kept in the Air Base, so we could see what's there?"

I wrinkled my nose, "you can if you'd like. I don't deal well with cities. Too many people and too little hygiene for my nose. I'll stay here."

"I'll stay too," said Matt, "I have some questions I'd like to ask you, and you probably have some you can ask me."

"Sure. Bej can guide everyone in the city, because he knows quite a bit."

Bej nodded, "sure. I can do that. Sounds like a plan."